This past offseason started with reports of the Eagles in negotiations with Dallas Goedert for a possible contract extension. With Zach Ertz expected to be traded, it seemed like the most obvious move to make. Things didn’t work out that way. It seemed as if the Eagles front office had a change of heart on which TE they wanted to keep.
Goedert is a young and rising TE but Zach Ertz was the cheaper option and he’s already a Philly legend. Fast forward 10 weeks and Ertz is a Cardinal while Goedert is having the best season of his career.
When you think about the team’s offense, there’s a settling feeling of confidence because of the established players that they have to surround the QB position. They have an offensive line budding with talent, an RB group that when healthy is very dangerous, an official WR1 for the first time in a long time, and then there’s Dallas Goedert.
Retaining Dallas Goedert has to be a priority this offseason. He’s a staple in the run game with his ability to block, and is an even greater asset in the passing game because of his route running and incredible run after the catch ability. Not many tight ends are as well-rounded as he is.
In 8 games this season, Goedert has already recorded 401 receiving yards with two touchdowns. He’s recording a career-high 14.9 yards per reception.
He’s currently on pace to finish the season with 54 receptions and 801 receiving yards. That’ll be a career-high in receiving yards for Dallas and it should also force the hand of the front office into waiving the white flag and extending the fourth-year pro.
Goedert has been the saving grace for this offense as Hurts has relied on him when escaping the pocket. Goedert is also on pace of surpassing his career-high in yards after the catch as he’s averaging 7.3 YAC with only 1 drop this season. Goedert has a rating of 126.1 when targeted this season which should fall behind only DeVonta Smith on the team.
Currently a pending free agent, the noise surrounding a potential contract extension has fallen silent over the past few weeks. While it’s assumed that a deal will be worked out, nothing is ever certain in the NFL. While the upside of Tyree Jackson is enticing, the Eagles have a polished pass-catcher in Goedert and need to make sure that their offense has a strong foundation for the new era.
It truly doesn’t matter what happens at the QB position this offseason if the Eagles can keep this group of offensive playmakers together. Any QB, young or older, will benefit greatly from the talent of this offense and Dallas Goedert is absolutely one of the most important pieces of the team.
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